Computer autobiography. The modern personal computer is a powerful machine. Used by professionals for a whole range of advanced work, computers are also designed to use at home right out of the box, without any special training on the part of the user. We download music, take digital pictures, and shop online, all without ever enrolling in a class like ADV 100.
In this discussion forum, I would like you to write about your experiences using computers. What kind of computer do you have? What kinds of activities do you do on it? Do you use it for work? For other classes? For a hobby? Please be as specific as possible. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the technical terms, just use your own words. Read what the others post and respond to at least two. As a group, we bring a wide range of computer skills to this class, and I invite you to share them here.
I own a Macbook. 13.3 inch screen, pearl white, 10.4.11 Tiger. I edit images and create noise in rhythm with use of her specialized software. Garageband. Safari. iTunes. Quicken. Widgets and Whatchamacallits. PhotoImpression, Photoshop, Adobe this and Adobe that. I caress and tickle her keys. Elevated buttons. Once I push, I get my way. I give a command and it happens. She knows.
Assignments, work, leisure, extra credit. I use my Mac for all of my digital tasks. From typing elaborate papers, to creating my budget for the coming year, to shopping for things I do need ( and some I really don’t), and going the extra mile with her eons of track space.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been acquainted with the Mac’s platform. In high school I was in the International Baccalaureate program and we were mandated to use all the software we are now required to use in ADV 100. They were older versions of course. I think that’s when I became a believer. This was some time ago, back when apple’s iconic following was based on the colored plastic outerwear of her monitor–I know most of you all know. The PC’s “tower” was eliminated and considered obsolete once Mac introduced the internal drive with a subliminal message of lips affront the gorgeous machine. Adjoined between two speakers of the same colored plastic to complement the hue already overtaking the user. I digress. Back to the programs. The premiss is still the same.
I’ll admit the Mac is an interesting character. It takes time and patience to get used to the modifier keys and why the mouse has one button but ostensibly performs several functions. Almost like a calculator watch. Confusing at first, but it does all the things you want it to and more once you familiarize yourself with the interface and the function of the peripherals. If Mac is your first computer, congratulations. Once you can run this you can run anything. It’s like learning standard before automatic. A little more technical and complicated at first but acknowledging all the effort and simultaneous maneuvers pays off in the end. And for those who many be switching over (for any reason), congratulations as well. It’s not easy peasy because first off you realize there is no “Start Menu” just a weird graphic of an apple in the corner, and second, what the hell happened to my minimize, maximize, exit option. Suddenly you begin to feign for the things you once knew that distinguish Windows for Mac. No worries. You’re going to do fine. Oh, I almost forgot. It doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Remember, it’s all about the experience. 
